Why you might hesitate to take up the sword...

Why learn to use a sword? This is covered earlier - In short, it is relaxing, healthy, interesting, and socially enjoyable - see here for more convincing details: Why learn?

2. Why you might (be wrong to) hesitate?

Think you have a reason to not show up? In my experience, people are often afraid they aren't fit enough, physically intimidating enough, fast enough learners - or alternatively - they are afraid of injury or expense.

These worries are all due to misconceptions. In detail, the five excuses:

Fitness?

Am I in good enough shape? People have learned to fight with a prosthetic leg. A skilled swordfighter can hold off a less skilled opponent with small arm motions and without using their feet. If you can stand and hold a weapon, you can learn how to fight. There are a number of people who do this sport despite only having one leg.

Of course, if you want, you can fight very energetically, using complex footwork and dodging enemy blows - but it is far from necessary, and usually gradually develops as fitness improves.

Strength?

Am I strong enough? Those who rely on speed and strength in a swordfight are quickly defeated. The nature of how swords work will compensate for most physical differences, I am regularly defeated by people who are half my size. This makes it very different from many martial arts and most sports.

Height does give a slight advantage, especially in rapier fights, but people who rely on height usually develop their skills more slowly than people who have to compensate for being shorter.

Cost?

How much does it cost? Our practices cost about $2 per session. We provide loaner gear so you don't have to invest in equipment.

If you someday decide you want your own sword and protective gear, it will cost about $350-450. The gear will last you for a decade or more before needing replacement. However, getting your own gear is optional.

Injury?

What is the risk of injury? Our swords are highly flexible, blunted, and designed to be safe even if they break. We wear helmets, rigid neck protection, and padded clothing. As a result, almost all injuries tend to be self-inflicted.

The only serious injuries I have encountered have been related to people pushing themselves beyond their current fitness levels. So, counter-intuitively, the sport is safer than kickboxing, soccer, hockey, or hardball.

Skill? Teachability? Elitism?

What skill level do I need? The answer is: No one starts out skilled. None of us are complete masters, and many of us primarily show up to simply relax.

Swordfighting is a complex art. If one desires, one can pursue it for decades, gradually reconstructing lost historical techniques. As a result, we are always learning and have many different levels of expertise in the group.

Our motto is 'The best way to learn is through teaching'. If you stay with the group for even a few months, you may find yourself helping newcomers.

So, you will certainly be welcome - no matter how little experience you have or how long it takes you to learn.

Finally - Isn't this a bit nerdy?

Yes, but we're well armed nerds, and unlike most people with swords - we know how to use them.

This publication is not a corporate publication of the SCA Inc., nor does it delineate SCA policies. This document is intended for informational purposes only, and was created by its author without authorisation with the intent of promoting and sharing an interest.